| How To Deal With Sabbath Conflicts | |
| by Edmond Macaraeg, Mindanao Area Pastor | |
In the previous article, we discussed our Sabbath legal rights under various laws. What if there is still a problem? In cases of Sabbath conflicts, let us ask and trust God to deliver us. In principle, He has promised to provide a way of escape for God’s people to be able to cope with such difficulties (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is a matter of doing our part and claiming the promise. As much as possible, let us not be passive, but with patience actively seek and keenly recognize any avenue of deliverance which God may provide. As a standard procedure, our membership, affiliates, and children (including those involved in school-work or employment) can avail of an official Sabbath Excuse Letter, signed and printed on our official Church stationery. In part, it reads as follows:
Doing Your Part Stress the Positive First of all, in seeking possible employment, choose jobs or professions where Sabbath-keeping will not be a problem. Usually government positions don’t require Sabbath work, but in some cases may need some political influence to get such employment. Sometimes, one may have to exercise the courage and creativity to simply employ himself. Or, if nothing else seems available in the private sector, during an interview for a possible job, be positive in stressing the fact that you are willing to devote more work hours daily (to compensate for the Sabbath day off), and are also able to work on days when others don’t work or normally take time off from their work (like Sunday, Christmas, or other holidays). Be a Light and Example As a child of God, show that you are different and perhaps above the rest among your peers in that you are in every aspect a model employee. Be a light and example to others. Employers always tend to give grace and favor to diligent and trustworthy employees, sometimes giving them privileges not normally given to others. If God is pleased with you, oftentimes human employers become pleased as well. Plan Ahead To be able to keep the Sabbath properly, you need to plan, schedule, and organize your work ahead of time. If necessary, offer and initiate other possible arrangements. For example, in a six-day work week, offer to work about one and a half hours longer every day (which will yield nine hours—one hour longer than required for an eight-hour day’s work). Or you can offer to work on Sundays and during other official public holidays instead of the Sabbath. As much as possible, avoid getting into a new project or major activity on a Friday. Usually, unexpected complications or delays often happen. This day should be a tapering off period and perhaps focus on preparing reports or planning for the following week. This also applies for those facing a school activity or an exam on the Sabbath. Make special arrangements with your teachers. Or, if you’re a teacher, arrange with your superiors. If possible, ask to re-schedule or substitute with other activities, special projects, or assignments. When All Else Fails Knowing that we are in Satan’s world, there are times when even if we do our best, things will not always work out to our liking, even if we have fervently prayed about it. So, if all else fails, perhaps God has a better employment plan for you somewhere else. Or your faith and character is being tested to its limits. Whatever it is, realize that as you live in Satan’s world, God is watching where your loyalties lie, and to what extent you will obey Him ahead of any other consideration in this physical life. As you trust Him with your life and your future, God will determine the role He plans to entrust you with in His coming Kingdom. |
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